How to replace windscreen wiper blades on your car

You will remove the old wiper blades from your car and clip on new ones in about ten minutes. It suits any driver who wants to stop smearing and juddering in the rain. All you need is a pair of blades that match your car's length and connector type.

How to Guide to Fitting Windscreen Wiper Blades | Halfords UK, by Halfords on YouTube. 3 min 8 s.

Video length
3 min 8 s
Time to do it
10 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Steps
8

What you need

Steps

  1. Park on level ground, switch off the engine and take out the key so the wipers cannot move while you work.

  2. Lift one wiper arm off the glass until it stands up on its own. Lay a cloth on the windscreen under the arm in case it springs back.

  3. Look at how the old blade sits in the arm and find the small plastic clip or tab that holds it in place.

  4. Press or squeeze the tab and slide the blade down the arm until it comes free. Some blades use a push button release instead.

  5. Compare the new blade with the old one. Check the length and the connector type match before you fit anything.

  6. Slide the new blade onto the arm until the clip clicks, then tug it gently to make sure it is secure.

  7. Lower the arm slowly back onto the glass. Never let it drop, because the spring can crack the windscreen.

  8. Repeat on the other side, then run the wipers and washer to check the sweep is clean and quiet.

Tips and common mistakes

Replace both blades at the same time so they wear evenly.

Clean the glass before fitting, since dirt and old rubber cause smearing.

If a new blade judders, wipe the rubber edge with a damp cloth to remove the factory coating.

Keep the arm upright only while you swap the blade, as a gust of wind can slam it down.

Questions

How often should I change my wiper blades?

Aim for every 6 to 12 months, or sooner if they smear, squeak or leave streaks. Hot sun and frost wear the rubber down even when you rarely use them.

How do I know which blades fit my car?

Use your registration number or car model in a parts lookup, or measure the old blades. Check the connector type as well as the length.

Why are my new blades noisy?

The rubber often has a protective coating at first, so give it a wipe and clean the glass. If the noise continues, check the clip is fully seated.

This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.

More in Cars & Bikes

See all